The Underground 34, with Qiu Hong, Bereavement, Elf Fatima, Snoblind and Kissing on the Dance Floor, Nov 10, 8.30pm, Edge, G/F, 60 Wyndham St, Central, HK$40. Inquiries: 9486 4648

August 14, 2006 – Chris B interviewed by Dragon Radio!

Listen as a ‘Podcast’ or download the mp3!
Dragon Radio 044

May 22, 2006 – Underground mentioned in CNN TRAVEL ARTICLE!

A week’s worth of travel ideas in Hong Kong
It’s time to head to the Wan Chai district to watch local pop and rock musical acts at the Underground, a regular event dedicated to nurturing local groups and providing a window into the future pop musical forces in this part of Asia.

ROBOT Magazine – The ADDICTION Issue 08 (Nov – Dec 2005)

Interviewed by Y. Z. Li
Addicted to Bad Music – The view from the Underground
With her own band’s contributions (Guitars and Panties) and by providing her monthly forum for new and alternative music (Underground), songwriter, music promoter, music publisher and Rock-Babe Chris B is launching a crusade to rehabilitate Hong Kong’s popular music scene.

1. name? association with the underground?
The Underground came into being in April 2004. In our view at that time the music scene, certainly on Hong Kong island, was a bit staid, the same old bands playing the same old venues. We knew there were a lot of exciting young bands in Kowloon and the New Territories, and we wanted not only to give them a chance to play before a big audience, but also to promote live original music. Many people doubted that there was an audience for original music, but the Underground has proven them to be wrong. We called the club “The Underground” as the bands we were hoping to promote were mostly exactly that…unknown, and from the underground of the Hong Kong music scene. Plus, it sounds terribly hip and cool!

2. how long have you been living in HK-orginally from?
The Underground was started by Mike Peart and Chris B. Mike was the founder of the legendary PNS and more recently the Flowers of Babylon. He has lived in HK for the past 16 years, although he is presently setting up the Thai Underground in Koh Samui. Chris B is best known through The Sisters of Sharon. She was born here. Although Chris B is the face of Underground, there are many others involved including the website designer, the reviewers, the photographers, the MCs and most of all the bands themselves!

3. why do you think listening to live music is popluar among those who come to the underground?
The Underground crowd is generally 50% Chinese, 50% foreigners. Live music in HK island has generally meant cover bands. As an international city, we believed it was an abomination that original music was so badly catered for. The huge crowds we are now getting is proof that our concept was right. Our bands range from punk to heavy to experimental to blues to pop. People know on an Underground night there is bound to be at least one band they like, because we deliberately place diverse bands on the bill. Plus, people just don’t listen… a lot of the bands have worked very hard on their stage show too. At present we have one show a month, which we are planning to increase to fortnightly. We know from talking to those that attend that they want more original music, and not coma-inducing cover bands.

4. how would you compare the live music scene of today in hk to before the handover?
Getting better. There are more bands, more competitions and more opportunities for bands to play.

5. what makes the underground different from other live music venues?
The Underground is an ‘event’ and not a venue. “The Venue” bar in Wanchai is currently kindly hosting some of our nights there and we have held them in Joe Bananas in the past. We plan on hosting events at other locations in the future. Why? Because this gives the bands exposure and experience in performing in different places and to different audiences. Plus it prevents the bands, the audience and the organisers from resting on their laurels. More venues means more fun. Also we specifically look for bands from attending concerts, listening to demos, etc. And as I have said, we deliberately mix the genres at each event. It’s actually more interesting to watch 4 or 5 different bands playing different styles of music than watching 4 or 5 bands all playing one style. We provide a stage, PA, amps, video screen and light/sound engineers free of charge for each band. Bands get professional photos taken and reviews on their performances. We are planning in future to video each performance and to give each band a DVD of their own gig. And…to blow our own tumpet… we’re pretty much the only free entry music event in town and we’ll maintain that as long as we can.

6. why do you think it’s important to keep it going?
Creativity, giving bands a place to perform and improve. For new bands, they can test their material as sets are only 20 to 30 minutes long PLUS get more experience. Many musicians also come to Underground as there are so many different genres of music, that bands have formed from members meeting at Underground so it’s also an ‘unofficial music trade convention’!!

Chris B was interviewed over the phone on Phil Whelan’s show “Morning Brew” on Monday 25 July – she’s talking about Underground 11 AND some new all girl band called “Guitar & Panties”!! Save this mp3 to your computer and have a listen!

Underground 11 interview on Morning Brew – 25 July 2005